43-year-old Mike Smith, an 18-year-veteran of the Gloucester Fire Department, passed away last week after a long battle with cancer.

Fire Dep. Steven Aiello described Smith as a "tremendous firefighter who was well liked and always had your back."

According to Aiello, it is believed Smith inhaled some carcinogens while fighting a fire back in the late '90s at Fisherman's Wharf. He was diagnosed with cancer not long after that and temporarily left the department to get treatment.

When Smith’s cancer went into remission, he returned to work. In December, Smith and another Gloucester firefighter were injured in a Poplar Street blaze.

Aiello said while Smith was receiving treatment, doctors discovered his cancer had returned. He lost his battle last week.

Aiello said Smith was a constant professional who will be missed by all.

"Mike was the type of firefighter you wanted with you when things got tough,” Aiello said.

Smith is survived by his wife and three young children.

His funeral will be held Wednesday at Holy Family Parish in Gloucester.